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This week’s player focus is on Boomer Brent Harvey who is set to play his 250th game for North Melbourne. After debuting in round 22 -1996 and collecting a total of one handball, Harvey has gone on to be one of the best for the Kangaroos averaging 19.8 disposals per game. Currently leading the Kangaroos with most possessions and at the age of 30, this pocket dynamo can be a game winner. Boomer got his name when he won the Preston RSL under-12 best and fairest and the person making the award introduced him by saying, "and this one's a little boomer". He was seven at the time.
D.O.B: May 14 1978 (age 30) Recruited from Preston RSL/ Northern U18.
Height and Weight: 172cm/76kg
Debut: Round 22 1996 (also played in reserves 1996 Grand Final)
Games: 249
Goals: 285
Career Highlights
• Premiership in 1999
• EJ Whitten Medal 1999
• Jim Stynes Medal 2003 (International rules)
• Three times All Australian
• Three times Best and fairest
• Runner up in Brownlow 2007
Other career highlights
• 29 disps (24 kicks 5 hballs), 14 marks and 2 goals in Rd 16 72-pt loss to Adelaide at AAMI Stadium (21 Jul 2006)
• 34 disps (24 kicks 10 hballs), 9 marks and 2 goals in Rd 19 6-pt win over Collingwood at Telstra Dome (7 Aug 2005)
• 33 disps (22 kicks 11 hballs), 6 marks, 4 tackles and 2 goals in Rd 19 1-pt loss to Fremantle at the MCG (10 Aug 2003)
• 40 disps (28 kicks 12 hballs), 6 marks and 2 goals in Rd 13 33-pt loss to Collingwood at Telstra Dome (29 Jun 2002)
• 36 disps (21 kicks 15 hballs), 6 marks, 5 tackles and 2 goals in Rd 19 49-pt win over Geelong at Telstra Dome (10 Aug 2001)
• 38 disps (29 kicks 9 hballs), 6 marks and 2 goals in Rd 7 12-pt win over St Kilda at Telstra Dome (22 Apr 2000)
Harvey was one of the best for the Roos in 2007 and has continued his form into 2008. Whether he plays on a half forward flank or swings into the midfield, Harvey is very hard to match up on. He possesses electrifying speed and can read the ball off the pack like a true old fashion rover. Although he hasn’t kicked many goals in his career his goal assists as well as his ability to bring others into the game make him a dangerous player. Often tagged by the opposition, he has learnt to break the tag and has averaged over 21 disposals in his last 7 seasons. Against Sydney, earlier this year, among his 22 touches, the North Melbourne star kicked a goal, assisted in two others, had a run and a bounce, and went inside 50 five times. Often found making space on his own, the doggies will need to make sure he is manned up and not allowed to run and bounce and deliver the ball inside 50 to the dangerous Roos forwards. An area of concern is he can go missing for periods in a game, however, he can bounce back quickly and kick a couple of unexpected goals and break the game open.
It will be a big day for Harvey playing his 250th and North will be trying hard to win it for him, however, the dogs are different this season, they are believing in themselves and growing in confidence and have a never say die attitude.
D.O.B: May 14 1978 (age 30) Recruited from Preston RSL/ Northern U18.
Height and Weight: 172cm/76kg
Debut: Round 22 1996 (also played in reserves 1996 Grand Final)
Games: 249
Goals: 285
Career Highlights
• Premiership in 1999
• EJ Whitten Medal 1999
• Jim Stynes Medal 2003 (International rules)
• Three times All Australian
• Three times Best and fairest
• Runner up in Brownlow 2007
Other career highlights
• 29 disps (24 kicks 5 hballs), 14 marks and 2 goals in Rd 16 72-pt loss to Adelaide at AAMI Stadium (21 Jul 2006)
• 34 disps (24 kicks 10 hballs), 9 marks and 2 goals in Rd 19 6-pt win over Collingwood at Telstra Dome (7 Aug 2005)
• 33 disps (22 kicks 11 hballs), 6 marks, 4 tackles and 2 goals in Rd 19 1-pt loss to Fremantle at the MCG (10 Aug 2003)
• 40 disps (28 kicks 12 hballs), 6 marks and 2 goals in Rd 13 33-pt loss to Collingwood at Telstra Dome (29 Jun 2002)
• 36 disps (21 kicks 15 hballs), 6 marks, 5 tackles and 2 goals in Rd 19 49-pt win over Geelong at Telstra Dome (10 Aug 2001)
• 38 disps (29 kicks 9 hballs), 6 marks and 2 goals in Rd 7 12-pt win over St Kilda at Telstra Dome (22 Apr 2000)
Harvey was one of the best for the Roos in 2007 and has continued his form into 2008. Whether he plays on a half forward flank or swings into the midfield, Harvey is very hard to match up on. He possesses electrifying speed and can read the ball off the pack like a true old fashion rover. Although he hasn’t kicked many goals in his career his goal assists as well as his ability to bring others into the game make him a dangerous player. Often tagged by the opposition, he has learnt to break the tag and has averaged over 21 disposals in his last 7 seasons. Against Sydney, earlier this year, among his 22 touches, the North Melbourne star kicked a goal, assisted in two others, had a run and a bounce, and went inside 50 five times. Often found making space on his own, the doggies will need to make sure he is manned up and not allowed to run and bounce and deliver the ball inside 50 to the dangerous Roos forwards. An area of concern is he can go missing for periods in a game, however, he can bounce back quickly and kick a couple of unexpected goals and break the game open.
It will be a big day for Harvey playing his 250th and North will be trying hard to win it for him, however, the dogs are different this season, they are believing in themselves and growing in confidence and have a never say die attitude.
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